Twenty-five years after taking over Quo Vadis in Soho, Jeremy Lee is still one of London's most loved chefs — and with a second book, Kitchening, out this autumn, he's been talking about where he actually likes to eat when he's off duty. His picks are refreshingly unpretentious: happy crews, unfussed cooking and rooms where you feel instantly at ease.
Top of the list is Miga in Hackney, a Korean restaurant he describes as a firework display. His ordering strategy is simple: start at the top with the two fish salads, then work in the beef pot roast and a mung bean pancake, washed down with pink blossom tea.
For a seaside fix, he heads to The Seaside Boarding House at Burton Bradstock in Dorset, where the catch of the day — turbot or brill — is so fresh it's barely out of the water. Swim, then a martini on the terrace, then linger over dinner. Hard to argue with that routine.
Back in town, Rochelle Canteen in Shoreditch wins him over with Margot Henderson's salads, brilliant pies and a menu that changes daily, so every visit is a small surprise. In Canary Wharf, he swears by The Royal China Club — not for the towers but for the arrival: hop on a Thames Clipper from anywhere along the river, step off the boat straight onto the terrace and order dim sum in the sun. The journey, he reckons, makes everything taste better.
His most recent obsession is The Garden Café at the Garden Museum by Lambeth Palace, where pastry chef Rose Gabbertas turns out seasonal puddings — think rice pudding with damson ice cream and ginger sorbet — alongside dishes like grilled mackerel with beetroot and horseradish.
The thread through all five is Lee's own philosophy: food that's simple, consistent and served by people who seem glad to see you. Whether you're after a solo lunch, a morning coffee or a blowout with old friends, these are rooms designed to make you want to stay. For travellers planning an eating trip to London, it's a credible shortlist from someone who knows the city's kitchens inside out — and the Dorset detour makes a fine add-on to any southern England itinerary.
